Benefits of Group Exercise During Breast Cancer Treatment

Some research suggests that exercise improves both physical and psychological functioning in women with breast cancer. In a U.K. randomized trial, 203 women who were undergoing treatment for early-stage breast cancer received usual care alone or usual care plus a 12-week supervised exercise program. Women assigned to the exercise program were encouraged to attend two 45-minute classes and follow one additional exercise program at home each week.

Women in the exercise group walked faster, engaged in more moderate-intensity exercise, and had greater shoulder mobility at 12 weeks than women who received usual care alone. In addition, women in the exercise group had more positive mood effects at 12 weeks. At 6 months, most benefits were maintain…